If the Boston Red Sox opt to trade for a hitter this offseason, they have several intriguing options to consider. The team has been linked to top free agents like Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, and Munetaka Murakami, but may also look to bolster their lineup via trade.
One possible target could be Willson Contreras, the 33-year-old first baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals. A former Red Sox farm system player himself, Chaim Bloom's connection to the organization might make a trade for Contreras an attractive option. The right-handed hitter has been consistent in his production since joining the Cubs and has become the full-time first baseman for the Cardinals. He boasts a .260 batting average and has hit at least 20 home runs in five of the last six seasons.
Another potential target could be Yandy Diaz, who spent time with the Red Sox earlier this season before being traded back to the Rays. Diaz is entering his final year under contract and may be more expendable now than he was during his stint with Boston. The 34-year-old has shown ability to hit for average with power, posting a .300 batting average in 2025.
If the Red Sox were able to land Marte, they would likely have the best hitter in their lineup, even if they re-sign Alex Bregman. Marte is one of the top second basemen and switch-hitters in the game, possessing a .292 batting average and 36 home runs in 2024. He's under contract through at least 2030 with a $15 million salary for 2026.
Brandon Lowe, another Rays' second baseman, could also be an option. The 32-year-old has been hitting well since joining the team, posting .256 batting average and .785 OPS last season. However, his lack of power and struggles against left-handed pitchers might make him less desirable to some teams.
Brendan Donovan, who has shown versatility playing both second base and in the outfield for the Cardinals, could provide a boost to Boston's lineup. The 28-year-old hitter is entering the final year of his contract but offers a .282 batting average and good on-base skills.
The Red Sox may also consider Nolan Arenado, although he's not as impactful as Bregman at third base. The 34-year-old has seen his production decline over the last two seasons, but remains a plus defender. With the team looking to bolster their lineup without Bregman, Arenado could be an option.
Lastly, Alec Bohm of the Phillies is another player who may be available via trade this offseason. The 29-year-old right-handed hitter has been consistent in his production since joining Philadelphia and possesses at least .270 batting average and a .710 OPS over the last four seasons.
One possible target could be Willson Contreras, the 33-year-old first baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals. A former Red Sox farm system player himself, Chaim Bloom's connection to the organization might make a trade for Contreras an attractive option. The right-handed hitter has been consistent in his production since joining the Cubs and has become the full-time first baseman for the Cardinals. He boasts a .260 batting average and has hit at least 20 home runs in five of the last six seasons.
Another potential target could be Yandy Diaz, who spent time with the Red Sox earlier this season before being traded back to the Rays. Diaz is entering his final year under contract and may be more expendable now than he was during his stint with Boston. The 34-year-old has shown ability to hit for average with power, posting a .300 batting average in 2025.
If the Red Sox were able to land Marte, they would likely have the best hitter in their lineup, even if they re-sign Alex Bregman. Marte is one of the top second basemen and switch-hitters in the game, possessing a .292 batting average and 36 home runs in 2024. He's under contract through at least 2030 with a $15 million salary for 2026.
Brandon Lowe, another Rays' second baseman, could also be an option. The 32-year-old has been hitting well since joining the team, posting .256 batting average and .785 OPS last season. However, his lack of power and struggles against left-handed pitchers might make him less desirable to some teams.
Brendan Donovan, who has shown versatility playing both second base and in the outfield for the Cardinals, could provide a boost to Boston's lineup. The 28-year-old hitter is entering the final year of his contract but offers a .282 batting average and good on-base skills.
The Red Sox may also consider Nolan Arenado, although he's not as impactful as Bregman at third base. The 34-year-old has seen his production decline over the last two seasons, but remains a plus defender. With the team looking to bolster their lineup without Bregman, Arenado could be an option.
Lastly, Alec Bohm of the Phillies is another player who may be available via trade this offseason. The 29-year-old right-handed hitter has been consistent in his production since joining Philadelphia and possesses at least .270 batting average and a .710 OPS over the last four seasons.
... I mean, have you ever stopped to think about how quickly a player's value can change? One season with a team, and suddenly they're worth millions 
. And what does that say about our society, really? We place such a high premium on short-term gain over long-term stability 
. But when it comes to Willson Contreras or Marte, are we just trading one short-term solution for another? 
We're caught in this endless cycle of wanting the best, but never truly satisfied with what we have 
.
. The whole idea of building a lineup around Marte is just ridiculous, who needs one superstar hitter when you can have multiple solid players? And what about the potential impact on Bregman's production? He might be benched behind this guy and that's not good for anyone 
. I'd rather see them focus on developing their own young talent instead of throwing money at a free agent who might not even fit in with their team culture 
. Willson Contreras is like, super intriguing - I love how he's been consistent in his production since joining the Cubs 
. But what I think would take this team over the top is landing Marte - can you imagine having a hitter that dominant? 
. His stats are like, insane for a guy under contract through 2030 
. Plus, his .282 batting average is no joke 
. But, I gotta say, Brandon Lowe is a bit of a wild card for me... I mean, his lack of power against lefties is a major concern 
.
. But, would they trade him? That's the million-dollar question 
. And Marte would be an amazing addition to their lineup 
. They've got a great mix of power and speed with him on board. But also considering Brendan Donovan, he's a dark horse candidate 
, has all the tools to be a key hitter in the lineup. Don't know what to make of Alec Bohm though 
.
️? Plus, he's only 29 so he's still got some prime years left in him 
. I think it'd be worth the investment to snag him up 
️.
. it'll be interesting to see what chaim bloom does this offseason 
️.
. Brendan Donovan is lookin' like a solid choice tho, he can play both 2B and outfield 
. Nolan Arenado is still a plus defender at 3B, just not as big of an impact hitter as Bregman 
, it's like they're gonna take anyone who's willing to wear P's on their jersey 
. I'm not saying that's a bad thing though, they need all the help they can get. Chaim Bloom has got some connections with St. Louis, so that's cool 
. But I'm also thinking Alec Bohm could be a sneaky good choice too. He's not getting the same attention as some of these other guys, but he's consistent and has skills. Maybe they just need to find someone who's willing to put in the work with this lineup